Gov. Peter Shumlin participated in a story about a new mixed-use housing development financed and/or supported by HUD, USDA Rural Development, NeighborWorks America, CDBG, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Vermont Housing Finance Agency, Vermont Community Development Program, Efficiency Vermont and the town of Shelburne through state tax credits. Most, if not all, of these agencies probably receive our tax dollars through state/federal taxes. Each agency most likely has a director at between $80,000 and $120,000 plus benefits, plus staff. The building’s owners will also receive taxpayer-subsidized rent. Then there’s the real estate tax breaks for the low-income unit(s) that shift costs to everyone else’s taxes.

Since we all know Gov. Shumlin purchased very cheaply because of real estate taxes a parcel of land very beneficial to himself it was surprising that he would “break ground” on camera for a project that costs so much in taxes to benefit a few. In fact, Shumlin knows very well what real estate taxes do to families by his own benefit and because during the pre-Act 60 hearings Vermonters testified to the fact. My husband and/or I presented our own state data at all but one hearing. At each hearing we both presented different data collected from state records and court hearings. So for Shumlin to participate in this silver shovel event is just another in-your-face, let-them-eat-cake arrogance that demonstrates the governor’s blatant disregard for unconstitutional taxes that are forcing Vermonters out of their homes.